Advisory Councils

Senior Advisory Council

The 20-member Senior Advisory Council is made up of older adults (60 years and older), representatives of older adults, local elected officials, persons with leadership experience, representatives from agencies providing services to older adults and the general public.The Senior Advisory Council usually meets monthly at the Salem office of NWSDS. Meetings are open to the public. The following are the current members of the Senior Advisory Council: 

Clatsop County

  • Sue Zarangue

  • Linda Crandell

Marion County

  • Amador Aguilar
  • Patrick Brodigan

  • Ed Cavin

  • Mel Fuller

  • Ruth McEwen - Chair

  • Angela Plowhead - Vice-Chair

  • Charles Richards

  • Rebekah Smith

  • Heather Wechter

  • Vacant

Polk County

  • Shirl Staats

  • Betty Sledge

  • Vacant

Tillamook County

  • Vacant

  • Vacant

Yamhill County

  • Carol Hankins

  • Reed Hedland

  • Vacant

Disability Services Advisory Council

The 15-member Disability Services Advisory Council (DSAC) is made up of persons that use or have used disability services and individuals interested in issues and services to people with disabilities. This group meets monthly and meetings are open to the public. The current Disability Services Advisory Council members are:  

At Large

  • Donna Davis

  • Kathy Eckert-Mason

  • Judith Richards - Chair

  • Heather Wechter

  • Vacant

Clatsop County

  • Steve Manesis - Vice Chair

  • Vacant

Marion County

  • Ruth McEwen

  • Colin Brown

Polk County

  • Bill Kluting

  • Shirl Staats

Tillamook County

  • Vacant

  • Vacant

Yamhill County 

  • Roxanne Wilson

  • Vacant

View the minutes of the most recent meetings:

February 15, 2018
Sac, Joint, and DSAC Minutes

January 18, 2018
Sac, Joint, And DSAC Minutes

November 16, 2017
SAC, Joint, and DSAC Minutes

September 21, 2017
SAC, Joint, and DSAC Meeting

Tasks of the Advisory Councils include reviewing and approving NWSDS’ budget, tracking legislation, monitoring services paid for by NWSDS, interviewing and recommending new members, and acting as an executive committee. Council meetings are open to the public. Download the 2019 meeting Schedule.

If you are interested in serving on one of the Advisory Councils call 503-304-3400 or 1-866-206-4799 (toll-free), or email zaira.flores@nwsds.org.

The Senior Advisory Council and the Disability Services Advisory Council members generally serve on one of six committees:

Steering Committee – acts as an executive committee and sets the council agendas.
Budget Committee - reviews and recommends approval of the agency's annual budget.
Legislative & Advocacy Committee – tracks legislation on the state and federal levels that will affect people with disabilities.
Monitoring Committee – participates in reviews of services paid for by NWSDS.
Nominating & Orientation Committee – interviews and recommends new members.
Civic Engagement Committee – helps recruit volunteers for agency programs and advisory councils, and participates in community outreach opportunities.